FSH: IDP NOTES

October 7th, 2009 8:30pm PST


IDP Notes:

The strong never sleep, so for those that can keep up with the “what is happening” around the league, here’s more football just for all of the IDP Nation….

IDP News From Across the Wire…

Rey Maualuga, LB, Cincinnati Bengals
Rey Maualuga (knee) did not participate in Bengals practice on Wednesday, according to Aaron Wilson of the Carroll County Times.
My Fantasy Read on Maualuga: The rookie has yet to impress the fantasy world with just 19 tackles in four games. Although he’s not likley to miss Sunday, slowed by injury there are better options available….

Gary Brackett, LB, Indianapolis Colts
Gary Brackett (knee) is "probably ready to go for Sunday night's trip to Tennessee," according to the Indianapolis Star.
My Fantasy Read on Brackett: The Colts middle-linebacker is a beast when he’s healthy. It sounds like he’s a go for Sunday so he should be in your lineups….

Keith Bulluck, LB, Tennessee Titans
Keith Bulluck was limited in Wednesday's practice while nursing a knee injury, according to the Titans' official website.
My Fantasy Read on Bulluck: The Titan’s linebacker is normally a solid play, but facing a passing Colts offense could limit opportunities. Consider other more favorable options if available….

Shaun Rogers, DT, Cleveland Browns
Shaun Rogers was limited in today's practice while nursing his foot ailment, according to the Bills' official website.
My Fantasy Read on Rogers: Slowed or not, if Rogers can go he’s a good option this week against a very shaky Bills offense that has leaned on the run and short passing game….

Vince Wilfork, DT, New England Patriots
Vince Wilfork was limited in Wednesday's practice while still recovering from an ankle injury, according to the Providence Journal.
My Fantasy Read on Wilfork: The Patriot’s mountain in the middle was questionable last week and played on Sunday. This is likely to be a recurring theme this season, if he plays he could see a lot of action with the Broncos averaging 32 rushing attempts per game……

Troy Polamalu, S, Pittsburgh Steelers
Troy Polamalu will reportedly sit out this week's game at Detroit and likely return in Week 6 against Cleveland, according to NFL.com.
My Fantasy Read on Polamalu: The Steelers pass defense has been an Achilles this season and Polamalu’s absence is noticeable. With Troy sitting expect the Lions to attack deep and give the secondary a lot of work…..

Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football 411…..

FSH: IDP NOTES

September 3rd, 2009 10:30pm PST

IDP Notes:

The strong never sleep, so for those that can keep up with the “what is happening” around the league, here’s more football just for all of the IDP Nation….

IDP News From Across the Wire…..

Kelvin Hayden, CB, Indianapolis Colts
Kelvin Hayden is hopeful that his hamstring injury will heal in time for him to play in Week 1 against the Jaguars, according to the Indianapolis Star. He said, "I am very confident I will be ready on Week 1. Since the injury occurred, I feel like I am making progress every day."
My Fantasy Read on Hayden: Hayden sounds like a good shot to play week 1. The Colts corner is solid and a big IDP fantasy option when healthy. He’s a good mid-round pick in fantasy drafts……

Rey Maualuga, LB, Cincinnati Bengals
Rookie Rey Maualuga is expected to be the Bengals' starting strong-side linebacker in Week 1, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
My Fantasy Read on Maualuga: The Bengal’s rookie linebacker figures to be a busy IDP option. At strong-side Maualuga should be a decent play, but best drafted as a back-up in fantasy leagues……

Chris McAlister, CB, Baltimore Ravens
The Bears have inquired about former Ravens' cornerback Chris McAlister, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
My Fantasy Read on McAlister: The Bears are in need of lots of help in the secondary, but McAlister hardly looks like a permanent fix. He has no fantasy value at this time…..

B.J. Raji, DT, Green Bay Packers
Rookie defensive tackle B.J. Raji left the Packers' final preseason game on Thursday with an apparent leg/ankle injury, according to the Twitter page of beat writer Tom Pelissero.
My Fantasy Read on Raji: Raji should do well in the middle, but will likely fill the role of being more of a clogger and gap filler against more accomplished O-lineman. He could be a productive fantasy DL, but owners will want to play it safe and draft him much later……..

Antonio Pierce, LB, New York Giants
The Newark Star-Ledger reports that linebacker Antonio Pierce will play in Thursday's preseason game against the Patriots. He has missed practice time recently and the team's last two games with a sore foot.
My Fantasy Read on Pierce: The Giants linebacker is a solid IDP option coming off 95 tackles in 2008. He’s a mid-rounder in drafts and is expected to be ready for week 1……

Zach Diles, LB, Houston Texans
Zach Diles will be the Texans' starting weak-side linebacker this season, according to the National Football Post.
My Fantasy Read on Diles: The Texan’s linebacker is destined to have a great campaign in 2009. In eight starts a year ago he finished with 66 tackles. Expect big numbers this season and take him early in fantasy drafts…….

Leonard Little, DE, St. Louis Rams
Leonard Little "probably" will not play in the Rams' preseason finale on Thursday as he deals with an aching knee, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
My Fantasy Read on Little: The Ram’s veteran defensive end is not the player he once was. Last season Little started just five games, finished the year with only 18 tackles and missed two games. Even though he did manage six sacks along the way, his value will be limited and he’s only worth a late draft pick in fantasy leagues…….


Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football 411…..

FSH: IDP NOTES

June 18th, 2009 11:30pm PST

IDP Notes:

LB PISA TIMOISAMOA LOGGING TIME WITH FIRST TEAM
My Fantasy Read: The Bear’s newly acquired free agent linebacker has been practicing with the first team during recent OTAs. The undersized Tinoisamoa has been running at strongside linebacker and figures to be a decent IDP play this season as a member of the Bear’s defense. The former Ram has led his team in tackles three of the last five seasons, including 2008.

LB BOSS BAILEY CUT BY THE BRONCOS
My Fantasy Read: The Bronco’s continue to over-haul the defense and make changes to improve the quality of depth. It was recently reported that the team released linebacker Boss Bailey, younger brother to Champ Bailey. The younger brother was often injured and likely would have only contributed from the sidelines. He’s not a likely candidate to be snatched up by any team right away, but he could resurface somewhere. No matter where he lands, he likely to have limited fantasy value in most leagues.

LB BRIAN URLACHER REMAINS SIDELINED
My Fantasy Read: The Bear’s defensive team leader and playmaking linebacker has been sidelined with a groin injury. It appears the team is nearly being cautious and not going to take any chances with Urlacher. He’s expected to be ready for training camp and a solid early round IDP selection in fantasy drafts this summer.

LB RAY MAUALUGA TO BE IDP IMPACT PLAYER
My Fantasy Read: The Bengal’s rookie linebacker has been impressive this offseason drawing praise from his coaches. According to the team’s defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer he could be a three-down back. With praise like that coming from your coach, expect to see Maualuga’s stock value soar in fantasy drafts.

Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football 411……

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

May 12th, 2009 9:57pm PST

[Tuesday late edition]

The NFL Draft: More Fantasy Recap

A Last Look....
There weren’t too many late drafting teams this year that caught everyone by surprise, but when you are looking for getting the most bang for your buck, ask the New York Giants, the Baltimore Ravens, and the Arizona Cardinals.

Saddled with the 29th pick in the first round the Giants went right for need and picked up a talented receiving prospect, Hakeem Nicks (North Carolina). Nicks is not going to be the next Plaxico Burress, but he’ll add considerable talent needed depth to the position. He’ll be a work, but one that could pay dividends surprisingly sooner than some might expect.

The Giants were already going to be good in 2009, but some might wonder would they be good enough. Their eight picks taken in this year’s draft may not guarantee, but the front office did what it was supposed to by adding quality players and needed depth. Linebacker Clint Sintim (Virginia) could be a name many will hear called quite often this coming season. While offensive tackle William Beatty (Connecticut) likely won’t see a lot of action this season as a starter, at 6’6” he’ll add insurance to an already good line.

The Ravens have found themselves a gem of a quarterback and team leader in Joe Flacco, last year’s first round pick. This year it only made sense to invest in your future and draft him some protection. With their first pick at number 23 the Ravens grab one of this year’s top offensive line prospects, Michael Oher (Mississippi). Oher will likely start 2009 from the sidelines, but at his size and with his talent he’ll add depth and a promising future for the Ravens offensive line.

In Arizona, the Cardinals were left with the 31st pick in the first round and quite honestly got the best value they could hope for. With Edgerrin James now released and left only with a less than impressive Tim Hightower, the Cards definitely needed to find some help in the backfield. Considering what was available in this year’s draft, they really got a bargain with their selection of Chris “Beanie” Wells. He’s likely to start camp playing behind Hightower, but he’s got a great shot and stealing some carries and eventually winning the job by the time the season starts.

Just some final thoughts…

There were some intriguing picks made early in this year’s draft, but not many that would jump off this page. However some notables that I think are worth mentioning for strictly fantasy purposes, the Chargers number 16 pick of linebacker Larry English (Northern Illinois). He may not start, but could still be worth draft in IDP leagues. The Colts selection of running back Donald Brown (Connecticut) could prove to be fantasy note worthy. With Addai showing many kinks in his armor, is very possible for Brown to emerge as a regular contributor in 2009. One last name worth mentioning is the Bengal’s second round draft pick Ray Maualuga (USC). Surprisingly the Trojan linebacker fell to the second round, but there’s no question he’s was huge steal for Cincinnati. He’ll likely start in the middle and should be a solid IDP play in 2009.

Remember to check back for more "Monday Morning Huddle.”

FSH: WATERCOOLER CHAT

April 23rd, 2009 11:15pm PST

WATERCOOLER CHAT

Boldin: Will He Stay or Will He Go?

It started back in February following the Cardinals loss to the Steelers when an unhappy Anquan Boldin made it well known that he wanted out. For a few weeks following the big game, it sounded very much like Boldin wanted out and would not look back. He called the situation "irreparable" and so began the countdown to his last day in the desert.

When it all started, things heated up quickly and Boldin's departure seemed imminent. There was talk of trades and it looked like a deal could happen. That was over two months ago and now that the draft is quickly approaching, it sounds like someone is trying to stir up the hornet's nest once again.

There are stories and rumors abound indicating there is plenty of interest, but really what are the chances of Boldin being dealt. The Cardinals number two receiver has been a solid contributor averaging 84 receptions, 1,082-yards, and six touchdowns in each of his six seasons, but is he really worth two draft picks (including a first round) and the exorbitant salary he'll demand? That may have been what the Cowboys paid for Roy Williams last season, but clearly they OVER-paid.

The asking price does not seem realistic and it sounds more like teams are going to wait to see if the Cardinals break. There's also the possibility team's could be waiting to make a last minute play in an effort to eliminate the possibility of a second team swooping in and stealing the deal. With teams like the New York Jets (17th pick), Baltimore (26th pick) and Tennessee (30th pick) in the mix, something could very well happen during the first round.

The question is, will any team meet the Cardinal's asking price or will GM Rod Graves blink and counter with a price reduction. The Cardinals soared well down the stretch in 2008, even with an injured Boldin sidelined for the last two games. The team has to be considering the possibility of just taking a first round pick for "Q." Gaining a early draft selection could pay huge dividends.

Currently there are several teams lining up to make a bid for Boldin, but so far no team seems willing to pony up the big bucks. Right now, the Jets would seem to have the inside track on any discounted counter from Graves with the 17th overall pick. If any other team is to become a playeer, they made need to add that second pick (although not sure that it would have to be a third round).

With the clock clicking down to draft day, anything seems possible and even more likely.

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YOUR GM

(Dilbert by Scott Adams)

Let’s Play the GM Game.

What to do in the Mile High City?

Now that the smoke has finally settled from what has become affectionately known as "McJaygate" there seems to be a peace in the Mile High area as Head Coach Josh McDaniels prepares for his first NFL Draft or could it just be the calm before the storm? When the deed went down a few weeks ago, there were many skeptics and critics that did not agree with the decision to trade away your former first round pick for a journey man quarterback.

Now that we've had time to digest what has changed? One thing seems to be certain, McDaniels appears content to remain steady with his two quarterbacks (Orton and Simms). If this is the case and Mr. Peter King (SI.com) is correct with his assessment that McDaniels really likes Orton, then as the Bronco's GM what do you do with your two picks?

As part of the Cutler deal, the Bronco's inherited the Bears 2009 first round pick at number 18. If you are the team's GM what do you do with your two first round draft picks? This is a dilemma that the team's new GM Brian Xanders is facing.

If Orton is now the right guy in Denver, then the answers for Xanders and McDaniels seem logical. Following one of the worst seasons this franchise has ever seen with their defense finishing near the bottom in 2008, this should be the focus on Saturday.

This year's pool of prospects is filled with a great many talents and the Bronco's should have plenty of opportunity to snag a couple at 12 and 18 in the first round of the draft on Saturday. At number 12, the team could easily target one of this year's talented class of linebackers and out of Southern California, there are three (Brian Cushing, Ray Maualuga, & Clay Matthews) to choose from alone.

Switching to the more traditional 3-4 defensive scheme the Broncos are in need of strong inside linebacker play as well as a big man in the middle to play nose tackle. Some experts think that Boston College's B.J. Raji (DT) could fall to number 12 and this is where the Broncos should look, but it is not likley that he'll slide that far. Another name that will be on the team's radar, but it is unlikely he'll last past the top 10 is Texas' Brian Orakpo (DE).

Again there is plenty of talent to consider, but the way the draft is likely to shape up, the Broncos will likely have their pick of litter (past Aaron Curry) at the linebacker position. All signs would point towards the Broncos taking inside linebacker Ray Maualuga. His addition inside could allow LB D.J. Williams to move back to a more natural outside linebacker position.

At number 18, the team would then be able to look for a defensive playmaker in the secondary or up front. Defensive end Tyson Jackson (LSU) and defensive tackle Jerry Peria (Ole Miss) could be potential targets for this spot if the team is looking for their needed help up front or they could give a look at corner back Vontea Davis (Illinois). Davis is considered one of the best athletes and defensive backs in the nation entering this year's draft.

If I am the GM of the Broncos my choices may not be quite clear yet, but with two first round picks I know I have very good choices. The speculation of making a deal to draft up would not be a consideration. Based on what I know about Orton and what I believe in McDaniels as an orchestrator and offensive mind, my needs to be addressed in this year's draft will be the defense.

An inside playmaker, an immovable force up front, and a stud defensive back will be high on my charts for 2009.


Keep checking back for more football....

FSH: ON THE TICKER

April 18th, 2009 11:17pm PST

14 DAYS TO THE NFL DRAFT

NFL Draft Preview:
On The Ticker

On the Board: Denver Broncos....
Even with the draft yet to arrive, new head coach Josh McDaniels has been creating plenty of turbulence and waves in the Mile High country since his arrival.

After trading away arguably the team’s best player, McDaniels is not making many friends in Denver fast. While some have might mixed emotions about the new coach after some of his recent hirings; Brian Dawkins (Eagles), Andra Davis (Browns) and Correll Buckhalter (Eagles), McDaniels will have a chance on April 25 to win more favor with two draft picks in the top 20.

Sitting at number 12, the Broncos will likely be targeting a top defensive prospect to help continue the overhaul of the leagues 29th defense. Initially following the infamous Cutler-Orton deal, it would have made sense for the Broncos to package a few picks and move up the tree to target one of the young arms in the draft. After consideration and evaluation, the team may be better off holding serve with their current hand under center and continue to make the defense the priority.

The popular talk for the Broncos first pick has been defensive tackle B.J. Raji (Boston College). There’s no question the team will need to look for help in the middle up front on defense and the draft will be a major source in their search, but talent can’t be overlooked either. With defense the priority, inside linebacker Ray Maualuga (University of Southern California) is going to be hard to pass over.

(Photo by Getty Images)

The team has added quite a number of players via free agency to the defense, but Maualuga looks like a solid selection for the McDaniels and company at number 12. At SC Maualuga was a two-time First Team All-Pac 10, finished his career as a Trojan with 194 total tackles, and a winner of the Chuck Bednarik Award.

With the number 18 selection remaining in the first round, it is expected that the team could also use their second first round pick for defense as well. If the team passes on Raji, it could come back later in the round with a pick to fill the need.

Saturday (April 25) will be a big day in the Mile High City for Broncos fans, but it will be even bigger for McDaniels as a new era begins in Denver. His first three months have been anything but quiet, so I wouldn’t expect anything less than lots of excitement come draft day.


Check back every day for more "On the Ticker!"